Look Rich With Reptile Wear

If there's a single fashion goal this season, it's looking rich. And nothing beats expensive, exotic animal hides for conveying the feeling that money is no object.

For most of us, however, money is an object. But that doesn't mean that the smart shopper can't cash in on the craze for crocodile, alligator and other reptile-skin belts, handbags and shoes.

A few simple reptile-skin accessories can be added to a wardrobe to instantly update many outfits. And these accessories don't have to be the real thing to be effective. New embossing techniques have created $10 faux crocodile belts that are just as impressive as $200 real ones. Leather and synthetic materials are treated to look and feel like more expensive skins.

The key to making these real and fake accessories work is to have everything match -- shoes, belt, handbag, watch bands and even jewelry. It's best to stick to basic colors such as black, gray and brown. These neutrals go well with many other colors and, when fake, are less likely to look phony.

Look for belts that are 1 to 3 inches wide with simple gold buckles. Handbags are best when decorated with gold clasps or chain handles. (Gold chains are another popular status accessory.) For pumps, loafers and high- heels, the less adornment the better.